Inter-Probincial News.

Colonist, Issue 45, 26 March 1858, Page 3

Inter-Probincial News.

WELLINGTON,

By the Pride of the Isles, arrived in Nelson harbour yesterday morning, we have received Wellington papers to the 17th instant. _ The. Provincial Council commenced its Session on Monday, the Tsth. There was a goodly array of ladies in the body of the House, and "the galleries (both that appropriated to the public and the reporters' gallery) were crowded to the uttermost inch. The offices and Speaker's room were g,lso filled as far back as afforded the remotest possibility of seeing or hearing. The proceedings were opened by Mr. Harrison the late Clerk of the Council attempting to read the Proclamation by which it was convened. His rising to do so was the signal for the " Reformere" commencing action; Mr. Carpenter stepping forwerd and demanding of Mr. IT. by whose authority he appeared there. Mr. H. having replied that he did so as Clerk of the Council, Mr. Wakefield refused to acknowledge his right to be there in that capacity, and after some remonstrance by Mr. Brandon, moved Mr. Gr. Hunter to the chair, who read the Proclamation.

Mr. Harrison having been thus unceremoniously set aside, and Mr. Hunter having done his reading, Mr. Stokes proposed Mr. Ludlam as Speaker, •which was seconded by Mr. Wakefiekl and carried without a division. *Mr. Ludlam then returned thanks, though not without an interruption from Mr. Hunter, who seemed to think the act was premature till the confirmation of the Superintendent should have been given. In the course of his observations Mr. L. intimated his opinion that those who served the public should serve it for nothing except the honor, and that he therefore was willing to act as Speaker without a salary. The election of the Speaker having been confirmed by his Honor the Superintendent, his Honor was introduced by the Provincial Solicitor and the Chief Land Commissioner, and proceeded to deliver his speech, but from its great length we are precluded from giving it in this morning's issue. The Independent, in reviewing his Honor's address, says:—" We need merely observe that it contains a lucid and most satisfactory account of the financial position of tbe provircc, and the progress of the public works and immigration during . the past year, and winds up by an intimation (which evidently took the Radicals by surprise) that the members of the -Executive Government had tendered their resignations and only held office till the House, having determined on a policy, might enable his Honor to select new advisers. On this account Jie declined to propose any measi*re3, (except one or two of mere routine) but promised to send down the estimates in a few days. His Honor on entering the chamber was very loudly greeted by nine-tenths of the persons present, one or two ill-manered individuals only in the gallery, attempting any demonstration of displeasure." - In noticing the business to be brought forward during the present session, the same journal says: ~" Judging by the pile of notices of motion which the Radicals gave, the session will last at least $hree quarters of a year, if indeed the Council be Rot established en permanence; We really cannot

recount the whole, and many were not worth recording, but among the most prominent were one for the sale of land on credit; another for reserving the Manawatu district for small farms to the exclusion of stockowners ; another to amend the act which requires a person accepting a contract or paid office under Government to vacate his seat ; another to invite the members for the Ahuviri to suggest a scheme of Government; another to abolish the Land Commissioners and establish an open board; and many more of which we shall furnish particulars as the motions are made.